Police boss laid low with pneumonia

Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire Clive Grunshaw

The crime commissioner, who was too ill to attend a community meeting in Preston last week, has been diagnosed with the severe lung condition and is expected to be out of action for at least another week.

Mr Grunshaw, who was recently cleared of fiddling his council expense after a year-long investigation, was taken ill last Tuesday and replaced at the last minute by his deputy Ibrahim Master at the third of a series of public roadshows in Ribbleton.

In a statement issued by his office, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner thanked his staff for ensuring the planned consultation events were able to go ahead in his absence. “I am disappointed that I have been unable to fulfil my commitment to attend all the planned roadshows across Lancashire,” he said. “I would like to apologise to any residents who came along specifically to speak to me.

“The most important thing was that Lancashire’s residents had the chance to have their say on the budget and they have done this in significant numbers at all the events. I must thank everyone who has taken the time to give their views. I will be presenting my budget proposals later this month.”

The Commissioner is expected to return to work in time for the Police and Crime Panel Meeting on January 27.